Why "Just Coffee" Won't Cut It

By drodriguez Sep 21, 2011

Even though we’ve all heard the saying, ”breakfast is the most important meal of the day” doesn’t mean we believe it. A recent SheSpeaks poll, which asks members what they normally eat for breakfast, finds that a lot of us are depriving ourselves of some serious nutrients.

Nearly 30% of us admit we forgo edibles and just drink coffee for breakfast on a daily basis and another 8.2% don’t ingest anything at all in the morning. The rest of us are making meals of different morning foods like bagels, muffins, yogurt eggs, and bacon with cereal coming in as a frontrunner.

Though coffee is a great mood booster and can be the perfect compliment to your a.m. eats – having just coffee alone doesn’t give your body enough of what it needs to get you through to lunch time. Online fitness journal Fit Day discusses why coffee for breakfast is a bad idea.

Since you’re not getting any calories, protein or fiber with your morning mug you’ll feel extra tired after that initial caffeine buzz wears off. By midmorning your blood sugar and insulin levels can become unstable causing you to feel more stressed as well as crave foods that are high in sugar and fat.

If you’ve turned to a coffee breakfast as a way to lose weight, you’d see much better results by eating a well-balanced low fat protein and carb combo within 2 hours after waking up (even if you don’t feel hungry). And for those facing a time crunch in the morning, think about eating something healthy like a banana and low-fat bran muffin on-the-go.

What do you usually have for breakfast?

How do you feel when you just have coffee in the morning versus a well-balanced breakfast?

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Comments

by kimbagirl | Quincy, MA

Oct 03, 2011

Coffee is a must have first thing in the am which begins at 5:30 or thereabouts. After 4-5 mugs and 5 hours later, I'll eat something - could be a pop-tart or whatever I have in the house. I am thin and fit!!

by kab1st | Palmer, MA

Sep 22, 2011

Coffee is the nectar of the gods, but I do feel better when I eat something as well. I usually go with eggs, or leftovers. I have never felt the need to eat "breakfast foods", if it's good enough for lunch or dinner it's fine for breakfast.

by BresBaubles | BELCHER, KY

Sep 22, 2011

Unfortunately, I am guilty of this crime! I will try to do better

by pharmgirl101 | Mountain View, AR

Sep 21, 2011

I am in love with coffee, even though I dont drink it every day. I can't survive without breakfast in the morning! I usually have something fast, like cereal, on the weekdays, but I love something wonderful like eggs and biscuits on the weekend!

by jessb7 | Indio, CA

Sep 21, 2011

I can't get enough of Coffee Flavored Pearl Soymilk by Kikkoman! Pour it over ice and it's like a latte straight from the coffee shop...but so much cheaper! Yum!

by Jenzecho | Mohave Valley, AZ

Sep 21, 2011

Since I've made the switch fro just tea or nothing in the mornings to actually cooking breakfast for my family I have noticed some great changes! My waistline is smaller, my daughter gets better grades and my husband is not so grumpy on his way out the door. I'm a believer!

by mel02351 | el paso, TX

Sep 21, 2011

I definitely need my caffeine in the morning. I am not much of a breakfast eater most of the time!

by lauralee | NEW YORK, NY

Sep 21, 2011

I opt for tea and usually try to keep it healthy with some carbs, whole grains, fruits and protein.

by krislovejmt | MASSILLON, OH

Sep 21, 2011

I have coffee for breakfast, and lunch. Don't you dare insult the nectar of the Gods! xD Seriously though, as a working mom (among other things), I don't have time for much more than coffee. I only get about 3 hours of sleep a night, so coffee kinda keeps me going.

by tara1sh | HAYWARD, CA

Sep 21, 2011

I have my coffee in the morning with either a bowl of oatmeal that is loaded with fruit or a bowl of my favorite Greek Yogurt loaded with fruit and a slight drizzle of maple syrup! I love this breakfast as it is packed with protein and will keep me full until lunchtime.

by heatherv112506 | Vero Beach, FL

Sep 21, 2011

For me, I have to drink coffee first and foremost! Then I always tend to have a small breakfast weather it be Frosted Mini Wheats or some fruit and yogurt. But If I just have coffee and no food with it, it's like I'm running on turbo charge and then by lunch I feel horrible.